USAviator56
Junior Member
What is the name of your state? Ohio
( I apologize if this is not in the proper forum )
My fiance and I had a local contractor build a deck onto our home. The agreement was for $ 3,500.00 including labor and materials. As it turned out the project was completed with poor craftsmanship,and sub standard materials. Even though the deck is only two months old, it is already begining to warp and twist to the point where the roof has a gap almost the full length . We are concerned mainly about ice and snow causing damage to our house if it builds up in this gap over the winter. I've contacted this person and asked that he make the repairs, but as yet have not heard from him. The lowest estimate we have received for these repairs actually exceed the original cost of the deck.
We've been considering going to small claims court to attempt to recoup at least a part of our money, but I understand that even if we win, the contractor may not have to pay if he can prove he has no assets ( property in someone elses name , etc. , etc ) My questions are:
1 ) If the deck is not repaired before winter and it causes damage to the house can we sue in Other than Small Claims Court ??
2 ) What other options might we consider ??
3 ) Would it be a good idea to hire an attorney to draft a letter to this individual to "throw the fear of God " into him prior to going to file in Small Claims.
4 ) Would posting the photos and name of this individual on a web site make me liable ???
( I apologize if this is not in the proper forum )
My fiance and I had a local contractor build a deck onto our home. The agreement was for $ 3,500.00 including labor and materials. As it turned out the project was completed with poor craftsmanship,and sub standard materials. Even though the deck is only two months old, it is already begining to warp and twist to the point where the roof has a gap almost the full length . We are concerned mainly about ice and snow causing damage to our house if it builds up in this gap over the winter. I've contacted this person and asked that he make the repairs, but as yet have not heard from him. The lowest estimate we have received for these repairs actually exceed the original cost of the deck.
We've been considering going to small claims court to attempt to recoup at least a part of our money, but I understand that even if we win, the contractor may not have to pay if he can prove he has no assets ( property in someone elses name , etc. , etc ) My questions are:
1 ) If the deck is not repaired before winter and it causes damage to the house can we sue in Other than Small Claims Court ??
2 ) What other options might we consider ??
3 ) Would it be a good idea to hire an attorney to draft a letter to this individual to "throw the fear of God " into him prior to going to file in Small Claims.
4 ) Would posting the photos and name of this individual on a web site make me liable ???